The September 14, 1905 issue of theDaily Capitol-Journal heralded the promise of a new railroad to connect the city with the Black Hills.

"At last Pierre is to have rail connections with the Hills. After years of waiting and hoping the country between the mighty Missouri and the Mountains of the west is to be girded with steel rails....It is a great thing for the whole country. Now watch Pierre grow."

Prior to 1907, pontoon bridges, steamboats, and the frozen Missouri River were the primary modes of transportation connecting Pierre and Ft. Pierre. Pedestrians crossing the river were subject to rapid currents, ice jams, floating debris and other natural hazards.